I am a native of Athenry where I attended Presentation College, Athenry. I then graduated with a BA Degree (Hons), LLB Degree (Hons) at National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG). In 2001 I obtained a Masters in Business Studies in Human Resource Strategies (Hons) at Dublin City University (DCU) and was awarded the EBS Prize for outstanding academic achievement in my year.I also hold a Law Society diploma in taxation, and I am a member of the Certified Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).I began my career as an Army Officer in the Defence Forces, where I spent twelve years, which included two tours of duty overseas.On retirement from the Defence Forces, I qualified as a solicitor and worked in a leading Dublin based litigation practice. On returning to Galway I worked in a County Galway general practice. In 2004, I set up my own firm at Davis Street, Athenry, County Galway. The steady growth of the practice required its relocation to a new office in 2008 at Swangate, Athenry, County Galway.I have a long association with teams, clubs and organisations in Athenry and Galway. I have represented my universities, clubs and town as a player, and latterly holding coaching and officer positions in many of those clubs.